Courthouse Facility Dogs: An Intervention for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

ABSTRACT

Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) often experience crises as a result of their victimization and pursuit through the criminal justice system (CJS). Adverse mental health effects can include increased cortisol levels, fear of re-victimization, suicidality, and psychiatric disorders. Research has examined the effectiveness of courthouse facility dogs (CFDs) as an intervention for child survivors of trauma needing to testify in court. There exists copious anecdotal evidence to suggest that this intervention may also be effective for adult survivors of IPV. This paper examines the role that CFDs may have on mitigating the crisis endured by survivors of IPV upon testifying in court. Guidelines for the utilization of CFDs and recommendations for the roles of counselors are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Intimate partner violence
• courthouse facility dogs
• crisis intervention
• secondary crisis
• criminal justice system
• creativity in counseling